Manchester City’s recent 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Etihad Stadium marked a significant milestone for Rodri, solidifying his status as the Premier League’s invincible midfield maestro.
With this win, the 27-year-old now holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in all competitions of any Premier League player past or present, surpassing former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho’s record.
Since his last defeat in a City shirt against Tottenham in February 2023, Rodri has been an indispensable presence in the team’s midfield, contributing to their success across various competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup.
City signed Rodri from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £62.5 million, tasking him with filling the shoes of former captain Fernandinho. Despite operating in a role that often goes unnoticed amidst the spotlight on stars like Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri’s significance to City’s accomplishments cannot be over stated.
Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, has heaped praise on Rodri, dubbing him “unbelievable” and “the best midfield player, currently, in the world by far.” However, Rodri’s humility and focus on team success over personal recognition under score his dedication to the collective effort.
Former City forward Paul Dickov highlighted Rodri’s role in enabling his teammates’ performances, emphasizing his pivotal contributions that often go unnoticed by casual observers. Guardiola echoed this sentiment, stressing Rodri’s importance within the team dynamic, despite his absence from the limelight.
Rodri’s impact extends beyond the accolades and statistics, as evidenced by the admiration he commands from his peers. Luton captain Tom Lockyer lauded Rodri’s versatility, describing him as a “Rolls Royce” on the pitch whose composure and vision elevate City’s game play to new heights.
While individual awards may elude him, Rodri’s influence on pivotal moments, such as his decisive goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League final, under scores his value to the team’s success.
Statistically, Rodri’s dominance is evident in his passing prowess, leading the charts for most passes attempted and completed by any midfielder across all competitions. His suspension earlier this season resulted in City’s loss in all three subsequent games, highlighting his indispensable role in the team’s tactical setup.
In essence, Rodri epitomizes the unsung hero behind Manchester City’s dominance, embodying the team’s ethos of collective excellence and selfless contribution. As Guardiola aptly summarized, “With him, we are a better team. No doubt.”
